Wiesn escape 2025: These events are great alternatives
You love Munich, but the Wiesn is not your thing? No problem! Your city has plenty of alternatives during Oktoberfest 2025. Whether it's live music, theater, art or bars with a ban on traditional costumes - here are the best tips for escaping the Oktoberfest hustle and bustle from September 20 to October 5!
Concerts and live music in Munich during Oktoberfest 2025
If you're looking for good music and an exuberant atmosphere, you don't need a beer tent party. There are plenty of concerts and live music in Munich during the Wiesn period. Here you will find rousing acts from various genres - guaranteed without brass music and beer mugs! Not found the right one yet? Click through more music events here.
Luvcat
Indie rock meets playful pop melodies. Luvcat provides a soundtrack for everyone who wants to spend a relaxed evening with really good live music. The perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the Oktoberfest!
DRANGSAL - VERBRANNTE ERDE TOUR 2025
Drangsal's new tour brings melancholic indie pop and a good dose of energy to Munich. Look forward to a live show with a special atmosphere that is anything but Oktoberfest.
Mary Mou live @ROODY
The Roody Tanzcafé regularly presents great acts from the region: Sometimes soulful, sometimes danceable, always with heart. And on this evening certainly without brass band music. Be there when Mary Mou sings for you!
Fields and Currents
With spherical sounds between indie, folk and electronica, you will experience a musical getaway. Let yourself drift away and forget everything to do with Oktoberfest for a few hours!
FASTFORWARD präsentiert FreakinFreddy Release Konzert
FrakinFreddy presents his new album and brings a breath of fresh air to the Munich concert scene. For everyone who wants new music, good beats and honest lyrics, far away from traditional costumes and beer tents!
Marlin Beach
The sound of Marlin Beach beams you away from the Oktoberfest, straight to the pool. Summer vibes, lightness and danceable melodies: our heartfelt tip!
KOLLAPSZONE - Rage Against Wiesn: Silk + Pure Dirt + Zine Workshop mit Tante Trash
Want to escape the Oktoberfest and immerse yourself in some really crazy sounds? A night full of electronic music and experimental vibes awaits you at Kollapszone. There's no place for beer mugs here!
Kolibri-Benefizkonzert "Musik integriert" der Neuen Philharmonie München
The Neue Philharmonie München combines classical and modern pieces in a charity concert. A musical highlight that not only treats the ears, but also does good.
The Happy Fits
Rousing indie pop from the USA that goes straight to your ears. The Happy Fits bring a dance mood and a good atmosphere - without any Oktoberfest clichés.
niah
Gentle indie sounds and honest lyrics make Niah a real insider tip for quiet hours. Here you can close your eyes, empathize and immerse yourself. There's certainly no place for a party atmosphere here.
Dance and theater in Munich during Oktoberfest 2025
Munich's stages offer a wide selection of theater plays and dance performances during the Wiesn - from classical to experimental. Here you can immerse yourself in other worlds, experience emotions and completely block out the hustle and bustle of the Wiesn. Here you will find a selection of great events, you can find even more plays and shows on our website.
die verflossenen
An evening about remembering, letting go and the small tragedies of everyday life. Between humor and melancholy, the theme of "lost love" is retold here.
Glaube Liebe Roboter
What happens when machines suddenly show feelings? In this play, big questions about technology, morality and humanity are brought to the stage - exciting and modern.
Shakespeares sämtliche Werke (leicht gekürzt)
Three actors, one goal: to bring all of Shakespeare's plays to the stage at breakneck speed and with plenty of humor. They laugh, improvise and show that theater is anything but dusty.
Galaxie der Empathie
A performance in which the audience also becomes part of the evening. Between art, interaction and new perspectives, you will explore how empathy works on stage and in everyday life.
Freuhoit in Kräääh-Winkel | von und nach Johann Nepomuk Nestroy
Johann Nestroy's classic gets a modern update here. With plenty of wit, absurdities and lots of fun, the ensemble whisks you away into a quirky, entertaining theatrical world.
Nicola Kötterl: Tears and Squats for Cicero
Dance meets philosophy: Nicola Kotterl brings political discourse, physical performance and a pinch of irony to the stage. There's a lot to discover here - for head and heart.
Kathrin Knöpfle: Mother Tongue
Dance, language and identity come together in this performance. Kathrin Knöpfle takes you on an intense journey to your roots and your own origins - poetic, moving and very close.
Exhibitions in Munich during the Oktoberfest 2025
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Oktoberfest completely, Munich's galleries and museums are a place of peace and inspiration. Here you can discover art, take in new perspectives and simply take a deep breath. You can find even more exhibitions in our overview.
Was zu verschwinden droht, wird Bild. Mensch – Natur – Kunst
This is where art and environmental awareness meet. The exhibition shows the influence of humans on nature and invites us to reflect on our relationship with our environment.
SUSAN SONTAG »EVERYTHING MATTERS«
A tribute to the great thinker Susan Sontag: photography, socio-critical texts and fascinating insights. The exhibition space at the Literaturhaus München is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the Oktoberfest.
Im Demenzlabyrinth: Zeichnungen von Albin Zauner
This exhibition focuses on the topic of dementia and remembrance and presents touching works of art that invite you to pause and reflect.
Erntedank – Obst, Beeren und Nüsse
Here, everything revolves around the fruits of the season - from works of art and botanical facts to little treats. This somewhat different exhibition is perfect for anyone who loves nature and indulgence.
may kollektiv: zwischen den wegen
All roads lead to the Oktoberfest? No. Perhaps your path will lead you to the Rosengarten München. Here, young artists from Munich show what moves them and how they see the world. Look forward to fresh perspectives and creative diversity!
Spoken Word Events in Munich
Lean back and listen. No noise, just the spoken word. Whether poetry, readings or comedy: these events transport you far away from the hustle and bustle of the Theresienwiese. We say: prick up your ears and forget everything else for a moment! Want more of this? Check out our spoken word section.
Kiezmeisterschaft - Münchens schnellster Poetry Slam
Word battles, quick punchlines and plenty of stage power: Munich's poets compete in a rousing contest for the audience's favor. Want to perform yourself? The open list is for everyone!
Unerwünscht
Historian Stefanie Schüler-Springorum presents her book "Unerwünscht. West German democracy and those persecuted by the Nazi regime". The reading focuses on the experiences of people who were persecuted under National Socialism and their often overlooked place in post-war West German society.
Stuss mit Spargel - Stand-up Comedy
"Stuss mit Spargel" is THE traditional format in Altgiesing. Here you'll find stand-up comedy with heart and honesty. Fun only in the beer tent?
Tara-Louise Wittwer ■ Nemesis' Töchter
Tara-Louise Wittwer reads from her new book and talks about feminism, relationships and real life. There are clever thoughts, humor and plenty of aha moments.
Festivals in Munich
Festival sounds good, beer festival not so much? Don't worry, there are other festivals in Munich during the Wiesn. We particularly recommend these: here, too, you can party to the music and enjoy a varied program - and even do something good at the same time. Check it out!
Vegan Beats
Vegan delicacies, driving beats and relaxed festival vibes: at Vegan Beats you celebrate sustainably and deliciously - without fried chicken and sausage rolls!
RAGE AGAINST ABSCHIEBUNG #24
A festival with attitude: not only music, but also political statements and actions for more humanity. Celebrate and make a statement at the same time - that's possible here. A festival with attitude: not only music, but also political statements and actions for more humanity. Celebrate and make a statement at the same time - that's possible here. A festival with attitude: here you'll not only find music, but also political statements and actions for more humanity. Celebrate and make a statement at the same time!
Bars, clubs and parties in Munich without traditional costume
We don't just have event tips for you for the right Oktoberfest escape. Here we show you a selection of our favorite bars and clubs where traditional costumes are banned during the Oktoberfest and very drunk Wiesn visitors are not allowed in. So you can relax and celebrate while the traditional costume crowd hangs out at extra Oktoberfest after-parties.
BarCafé Kosmos
Café Kosmos is one of our favorite places in Munich: Living room atmosphere, fair prices and guaranteed no Oktoberfest party. No one comes in here in traditional costume and with a Wiesn drinking frenzy. Instead, there are lots of lovely people inside in the dim light or outside on the roof terrace, chatting and clinking glasses.
cucurucu
A bar near the main station with this much style? Yes, there is one! Here you get creative drinks, good DJ music and a mix of Munich's night owls. If you're not in the mood for Oktoberfest, you're guaranteed to have a great time here.
Rote Sonne
Did you know that the Rote Sonne was awarded the Pop Award Bavaria as the best club in Bavaria? If that's not already worth a visit, then it's definitely the great parties with well-known or local DJs, as well as the concerts of various genres. And of course: the ban on traditional costumes at Oktoberfest time.
Goldener Reiter
Electronic music gets you on the dancefloor? You don't need any frills to go wild? Then head to the Goldener Reiter - the basement club with an inconspicuous entrance, minimalist furnishings, but with its very own charm and no beer tent vibes!
lieberscholli - space for art, club and culture
80687 München
Why do we like to party at lieberscholli? There are many reasons! Firstly, of course, the nice bookings: the techno club knows exactly which DJs provide the best atmosphere. Secondly, the unmistakable ambience: Industrial charm paired with an awesome outdoor area. And thirdly, the friendly crowd, who certainly don't come from Wiesn.
RAVE AGAINST WIESN | ISARBASS
And last but not least, what should not be missing? That's right: Rave AGAINST WIESN! A party where you can dance freely and shake off the Wiesn. Get the Wiesn season off to a great start and the Oktoberfest hustle and bustle won't affect you!
As you can see, Munich has more to offer during the Wiesn 2025 than just beer tents and rollercoaster rides. Whether it's a concert, an evening at the theater, an inspiring exhibition or a relaxed visit to a bar - the city also pulsates outside of the Oktoberfest. And if you suddenly get Wiesn fever, you should definitely read this information!
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Let's go out together and experience beautiful things! 💜
